Reporting from the Statehouse

STATEHOUSE REPORT FROM REP. NANCY MICHAEL

INDIANAPOLIS - Communities across our state are continuing to dig out from the
snowfall of the past week. As I travel U.S. 40 and I-70 to the Indiana
Statehouse, I am grateful that I am only an hour away from my home and I have
the chance to be close to my constituents on a daily basis.

Many of you already have come to visit. I have met with friends who represent a
number of interests, including banking, soil and water conservation, pork
producers, the American Cancer Society and higher education. It is always good
to see people from our part of the state and talk about the issues that concern
my district.

I also have been able to welcome young people who come to Indianapolis to take
part in the House Page Program. A number of ambitious students from Putnam,
Parke and Clay Counties have visited the Statehouse to experience the workings
of state government.

Each time I walk with pages through the House Chamber, it reminds me of my
first day as a state representative. The look in their eyes allows me to capture
the feeling of honor and respect. We talk about the daily responsibilities of a
representative, see the actions of our members on the floor, and tour the
Statehouse in order to educate and encourage our young people to become more
involved in government.

Committee meetings remain our biggest priority in the House, and the week was
full of debate on interesting and important issues.

I am a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, which
passed a couple of bills that speak directly to our farming communities.

House Bill 1217 updates statutory guidelines for the Indiana Corn Market
Development program to meet with its current practices. The Council was created
several years ago so corn growers in Indiana could promote their products. Corn
growers can voluntarily support the market development and research projects led
by the council by contributions of half a cent for each bushel of corn they
sell. This bill will help contribute to the program's efficient operation.

House Bill 1218 would increase the allowable level of protection maintained in
the Grain Indemnity Fund. The fund, which is paid through voluntary
contributions of grain growers, is reserved to ensure a grain producer receives
payment for his or her grain in the event of a buyer's financial failure.
Former State Rep. Susan Crosby worked closely with her constituents and
colleagues in the Statehouse to create this fund and provide financial
protection to farm owners.

Because of the tight economy, a grain producer's failure to receive payment
could set off a destructive chain reaction. Without proper payment, a grain
producer may not have enough capital to pay bills, hindering other segments of
agricultural industry.

Both of these bills are designed to keep agriculture industries alive and well
while the state faces a mounting economic recession. Agriculture is one of the
foundations of Indiana's economy, and we need to provide support to ensure
that our farmers can remain stable.

Another bill under consideration (House Bill 1426) seeks to correct a problem
in the distribution of CAGIT, COIT and CEDIT dollars and excise tax
distributions that are based on the amount of a taxing unit's property tax
levies. Upon the creation of Fire Territories, units of government were losing
their share of the income tax distribution due to the change in levies. This was
an unintended consequence that HB 1426 will correct if it passes by both houses.

As each day passes, I am more impressed with the process of making public
policy. I know that some cynics like to compare making a law to making sausage -
you're more interested in the end result than how it was made - but there is
a lot of careful consideration that goes into each measure.

If you need to contact me during session, or if you want to visit the
Statehouse, or if you want your child to serve as a Page, you can reach me in
several different ways.

You can call the toll-free Statehouse telephone number of 1-800-382-9842 or
317-234-9290, write to me in care of the Indiana House of Representatives, 200
W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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Thank you for your interest in state legislative matters. Please visit my
website at:
www.in.gov/h44